The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

After leaving the meeting room of the Juxian Hall, Xiang Liang rebuked Xiang Yu, saying, "Yu'er, don't be impulsive! This matter needs to be carefully considered."

Xiang Yu scratched his head and said, "Uncle, I just think that Qin Yi is very likely Meng Yi."

Xiang Liang nodded. "I know, but if we recognize each other just because we share the same name, wouldn't it be ridiculous if we mistakenly recognize the wrong person?"

"What should we do now?" Xiang Yu asked anxiously.

Xiang Liang pondered for a moment and said, "Let's secretly investigate Meng Yi and then make a conclusion."

Although Xiang Yu was unwilling, he also knew that what Xiang Liang said made sense, so he had to control his temper and wait for the opportunity.

Time passed, and in the blink of an eye, the 32nd year of Emperor Qin Shihuang's reign was about to end (215 BC).

Xianyang, this glorious capital, seemed especially prosperous in the New Year atmosphere. Amidst the biting cold wind, the streets and alleys were filled with the aroma of cooking smoke. Every household hung red lanterns, the vibrant crimson adding a touch of warmth to the harsh winter.

The market was bustling with people as they were busy buying New Year's goods.

The vendors shouted loudly, and the variety of goods was dazzling, including handmade arts, local delicacies and novelty toys.

Children were playing in the crowd, holding sugar figures and with carefree smiles on their faces.

As night fell, the palace in Xianyang shone brightly. The First Emperor held a grand banquet there, and court officials dressed in gorgeous clothes gathered together to celebrate the New Year.

The court musicians played passionate music and the dancers danced gracefully. The performance was wonderful and fascinating.

The First Emperor sat in the Dragon Court, draped in his dragon robes, looking majestic and solemn, and looking down at his ministers with a smile. He slowly raised his wine glass and, in a voice as loud as thunder, announced: "Tonight, on this festive evening, I wish to drink this cup with all of you, my beloved ministers, to celebrate the New Year together. I wish our great Qin Empire prosperity and everlasting prosperity!"

After he finished speaking, all the ministers stood up in unison, their movements uniform, as if they had rehearsed it countless times. Then they raised the wine glasses in their hands high and shouted in unison: "May Your Majesty live forever!" Their voices were as loud as thunder, resounding throughout the palace, and the echo lingered for a long time.

In a corner of the palace, Zhao Gao and Li Si were talking in low voices. Zhao Gao's eyes were cunning and sharp, and a wicked smile played on his lips. He lowered his voice and asked softly, "Prime Minister Li, have you prepared any precious gifts for His Majesty during the New Year?"

Li Si smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. He replied calmly and firmly, "Lord Zhao, Your Majesty owns the world; everything belongs to Him. As His Majesty's subjects, we must devote our utmost efforts and wholeheartedly to handling every matter of state affairs for Your Majesty. This is our sincerest respect and our most precious gift."

Zhao Gao nodded slightly, a subtle gloom flashing in his eyes as he pondered Li Si's words. He knew Li Si's words were true, but a strange jealousy welled up in him. He wondered what he could do to make Qin Shi Huang look at him differently.

Hu Hai held an exquisite wine glass in both hands and walked briskly to the front of the First Emperor.

He saluted respectfully, then smiled and reported to the First Emperor, "Father, one-third of the construction of the great ship for the voyage is complete, and the crew is ready for battle. We only need to wait until April next year to hoist the sails and embark on the journey to find the immortal way."

When the First Emperor heard the news, a delighted smile appeared on his face. He raised his glass and clinked it with Hu Hai's, saying happily, "Very good! I look forward to bringing back the secret of immortality next year."

Hu Hai quickly nodded in agreement, and said firmly: "I will do my best to fulfill my mission."

The atmosphere at the banquet was extremely warm.

The ministers all stood up, holding their wine glasses high in their hands, their faces filled with joy. They bowed respectfully to the First Emperor and shouted in unison: "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Great Qin!"

Then, they drank the wine in the cup to express their respect and blessings to the First Emperor.

The First Emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, smiling at his ministers, feeling happy. He gently raised his wine glass in response to everyone's respect.

The palace was filled with bursts of cheerful laughter, people were communicating with each other and chatting happily, and the whole scene seemed particularly harmonious.

The ministers toasted each other, congratulated each other, and shared this rare happy moment together.

The court musicians played passionate music, and the dancers danced gracefully, their graceful movements enchanting the audience. The melodious songs lingered in the palace, adding a touch of romance and poetry.

At this wonderful moment, everyone was immersed in a joyful atmosphere, feeling the prosperity of the empire and the majesty and benevolence of the First Emperor. The entire banquet was filled with laughter and joy, and was overflowing with a festive and happy atmosphere.

In the fields outside the city, farmers were also busy. They offered sacrifices to their ancestors and prayed for good weather and good harvests in the coming year. From the village, bursts of laughter and joy emanated from the people as they exchanged greetings and wished each other peace and happiness in the new year.

After the banquet, the First Emperor kept Zhao Gao and Hu Hai.

The First Emperor sat on the dragon throne with a solemn expression and a hint of majesty in his eyes.

He stared straight at the two people in front of him and said in a heavy voice, "Now that I am old and my health is not as good as before, this search for immortals cannot be delayed. I have recently heard some rumors that many ministers in the court have expressed dissatisfaction with my search for immortals. Have you heard of this?"

Zhao Gao immediately replied with a flattering smile, "Your Majesty, I have heard a little bit about this, but I need to investigate further to determine who is behind this slander. However, please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will thoroughly investigate this matter and find out who dares to talk about you behind your back."

The First Emperor nodded slightly to show his satisfaction, then turned his gaze to Hu Hai.

Hu Hai's heart tightened, and he quickly lowered his head and said, "I know nothing about this matter. I hope my father will forgive me!"

The First Emperor frowned, a hint of dissatisfaction flashing in his eyes. "I asked you to come here to tell you that this search for immortals concerns my life and death, and even more so the future of our Great Qin. As my son, you must understand its importance."

Hu Hai nodded repeatedly and expressed his willingness to fully support his father's decision.

The First Emperor then asked, "Then do you know why some people object to my search for immortals?"

Hu Hai thought for a moment and replied cautiously, "I believe these people may find the search for immortals too illusory, consuming so much manpower and resources with little prospect of gain. However, I firmly believe that your Majesty's actions must have profound meaning and are by no means in vain."

After hearing this, the First Emperor nodded slightly, with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

He said to Hu Hai earnestly, "You are right. The reason I attach so much importance to seeking immortals is not only for my own immortality, but also for the long-term stability of the Qin Dynasty. If I can obtain the help of the immortals, I will surely be able to ensure the eternal foundation of the Qin Dynasty."

Hu Hai quickly replied respectfully, "Don't worry, Father. I will do my best to live up to your expectations."

The First Emperor turned to Zhao Gao and ordered, "Zhao Gao, you must continue to send people to search for the immortals. There must be no mistakes. Also, those ministers who dare to criticize me must be severely punished to serve as a warning to others."

Zhao Gao agreed respectfully and said that he would do his best to complete the task.

Afterwards, the First Emperor waved his hand to signal the two to leave. After they left, a trace of fatigue appeared on the First Emperor's face and he sighed softly.

Hu Hai and Zhao Gao left the palace together. Hu Hai whispered to Zhao Gao, "Teacher, this time it's all thanks to you. Otherwise, I really don't know how to deal with my father."

Zhao Gao smiled slightly and replied in a low voice, "You are too polite, sir. As long as we work together, we will surely achieve great things."

Hu Hai nodded, secretly feeling fortunate to have such a clever and resourceful teacher.

The First Emperor sat alone on the dragon throne, lost in thought. He knew the path to immortality was fraught with danger, but for the future of the Qin Empire, he had to persevere.

After Zhao Gao and Hu Hai walked out of the palace, they each had their own ulterior motives.

Zhao Gao was secretly thinking about how to use this opportunity to eliminate his enemies; while Hu Hai was looking forward to taking this opportunity to prove his ability and gain more power and status.